Black Bear Seen in Emerald Hills Euthanized

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens euthanized a black bear Tuesday after it lost its fear of humans and broke into homes near Lockwood.

According to a media release, the sub-adult female bear was seen in the east end of Emerald Hills, southeast of Lockwood, for several days. Game wardens said it broke into at least one home this week and attempted to break into other buildings.

They said this year's berry crops in south central Montana are thin, driving some bears to more populated areas to look for food.

FWP asks residents to make sure to remove any opportunity for bears to seek or find food in or around their homes and vehicles.